Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi has said Kenya’s next general election will usher in a new generation of leaders, arguing that the absence of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga from the presidential ballot will fundamentally change the country’s political landscape.

Speaking during a public address on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Amisi said the post-Raila era would test the ability of politicians to win support on their own rather than relying on the ODM leader’s influence.

True leaders will emerge

The outspoken lawmaker said the first election without Raila as a presidential contender would produce leaders capable of standing on their own political strength.

“The first elections without Raila Odinga will bring us real men. It is going to bring us true leaders,” Amisi declared.

Amisi, who recently skipped the Linda Mwananchi tour in Kisii County, argued that many politicians had built their careers around Raila’s endorsement and would now have to prove their political relevance independently.

“Baada ya Baba watu wanahangaika. Kazi yao ni kupewa certificate na kuja kusema, ‘when Baba is right, we go right; when Baba goes right, we go right‘,” he said.

Now you are on your own

Amisi said leaders who had depended on Raila’s popularity would face a different political reality ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Now you are on your own. Wale wenye walikuwa wananing’inia koti ya Baba, ole wao. Wale walikwama kwa mgongo ya Baba, ole wao. Sasa kila mtu ajipange,” he said.

According to the MP, the next election will reward leaders who can articulate their own vision and directly convince voters without leaning on established political figures.

He maintained that the changing political environment presents an opportunity for fresh leadership to emerge across the country.

Recalls Raila’s support

Amisi also reflected on his own political journey, saying he was among the few leaders who openly expressed views that differed from Raila’s while remaining within the ODM fold.

He revealed that he publicly championed a one-term presidency while Raila was present and received encouragement rather than opposition.

“Mimi nilianza kuimba one term mbele ya Baba. Allow me to have a different trajectory, and he said, ‘Yes, endelea,'” Amisi said.

His remarks come as political leaders continue repositioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with parties expected to unveil new alliances and leadership structures following Raila’s decision to pursue continental leadership and step away from another presidential contest.